Education Officer Role Description

Applications should reach VALA by close of business on Friday 14th August.

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Background

The Victorian Applied Learning Association (VALA) is the peak organisation for applied learning practitioners. It was established in response to the rapid growth in Victorian applied learning programs across all sectors of post-compulsory education and now offers leadership, development and advocacy for educators of applied learning across all sectors.

VALA’s goals are to:

1. advocate for the value and place of applied learning pedagogy in all sectors of education, across all levels and content areas
2. promote and support the professional learning of applied learning educators
3. promote and conduct research into applied learning and applied teaching practice
4. promote and conduct curriculum and resource development projects that support applied learning and teaching.

VALA’s membership is cross sectoral and includes secondary school teachers and managers from government, Catholic and private schools, VET professionals, practitioners and managers and educators in Adult and Community Education (ACE) sector.

VALA is an incorporated association governed by a Committee of Management.

Overview of role

VALA wishes to extend its professional program for applied learning practitioners and to offer a broader range of resources to support applied learning and teaching. The professional development program is likely to include existing events as well as targeted full and half day events in metropolitan and regional areas. The resource development is likely to include the updating of the Resources component of the VALA website and working with teachers to publish their materials on the VALA website (see Attachment A for more information about the types of tasks to be undertaken). The Education Officer will work with the VALA Project Manager, Administrator and Committee of Management to further these areas of activity.

This is an exciting role for a dynamic and hands on person to work with the VALA team to further enhance VALA as the peak body in applied learning.

The Education Officer will be passionate about applied learning, well organised and able to work as an independent contractor.

The Education Officer will be required to work independently, and as part of a team and will report to the VALA Project Manager, who in turn reports to the VALA Committee of Management.

The position is supported by VALA’s Administrator who undertakes, or assists with, event management and administration.

Key responsibilities

1. Work with the VALA team to develop an annual calendar of professional development and networking activities
2. Plan and operationalise professional development and networking events, including rural and regional events and those that use a range of technologies
3. Present professional development using an applied learning approach
4. Develop links and work with relevant organisations to support joint professional development activities
5. Contribute to the VALA electronic newsletter and website
6. Work with the VALA team to extend the resources offered by VALA to support applied learning and teaching
7. Develop and, or edit, applied learning and teaching resources
8. Regular reporting, consultation and meeting with VALA Project Manager and Committee of Management
9. Work within budget and to timelines.
10. Carry out other duties as assigned by the Project Manager.

Terms and conditions

This is a consultancy position. It is expected that the successful applicant would spend the equivalent of 2 days a week (negotiable) undertaking tasks for VALA. $30,000 - $36,000 (GST included) is available for the consultancy. This amount includes day-to-day operating expenses.

The Education Officer will provide their own office and resources (phone, computer, etc) and have an ABN.

The Education Officer must be willing to travel to meetings and professional development events, including those in rural and regional areas. Travel related expenses will be reimbursed by VALA.

The contract is for 12 months and is subject to a 3 month probationary period. The VALA executive will review this position 12 months from appointment. Continuation of the contract is contingent on the review, performance and funding.

Key selection criteria

1. Highly developed presentation and communication skills
2. Demonstrated ability to plan and organise key education events within established timeframes
3. Experience in the design and delivery of teaching/learning materials
4. Cognisant of applied teaching and learning pedagogies
5. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse stakeholders
6. Current Working with Children Check card and satisfactory Police Record Check.
7. Willingness to commit to VALA’s values and goals.
8. Ability to work independently and as part of a team

For further information

Contact Jan Hagston, Project Manager. T: 03 9687 0336 M: 0418 526 555 E: jan@vala.asn.au

How to apply?

Applicants should address the Key Selection Criteria and send this, with a CV, to VALA by post or email.

VALA, PO Box 938, Springvale South 3172 Email: info@vala.asn.au

Applications should reach VALA by close of business on Friday 14th August.

 

Additional information

Supporting and extending VALA’s professional learning program

VALA’ s professional development and learning program currently includes:

• An annual conference which attracts over 300 participants. The conference format has included a key note speaker, performances and concurrent workshops. In 2009 10 workshop sessions were offered at each workshop timeslot. The focus of the day has been ‘hands on’ activities although 2009 saw an increased emphasis on pedagogy. The theme of the conference is decided by the VALA Committee of Management. The conference has been held early in the school year and this will continue in 2010.
• A joint conference with VISTA (Association of VET Professionals in Victoria). In the past the conference has attracted over 100 participants and is held in August. The structure includes keynote speakers and concurrent sessions.
• Learning in the Pub (LiP) sessions have been introduced in 2009. These provide an opportunity for applied learning educators and other interested people to meet informally to discuss issues and share ideas. It is anticipated that these will continue in 2010.
• Responding to requests from individual schools and other education providers as well as DEECD regions, including in regional areas
• Working in conjunction with other providers of professional development.

VALA is about to offer a one day professional development day focusing on numeracy.

VALA would like to extend its professional development and learning program to include:

• Other targeted full or half day events in metropolitan and regional areas. Content to be covered may include VCAL Strands, what every new VCAL Coordinator needs to know, applied learning in the middle years. Some of these events will be offered in regional areas.
• Introductory days for new VCAL teachers. These would be conducted in Term 1 2010 in approx. 3 different sites (including 2 regional sites). These days would include opportunities for networking as well as the basics of VCAL and applied learning
• Working with other organisations (subject and peak organisations) to run combined events/sessions
• Other than face-to-face delivery, eg. online discussions and presentations.

VALA is also keen to explore other possibilities and ways of value adding to its professional development and learning program.

Broadening the range of resources to support applied learning and teaching

Applied learning educators are always calling out for resources – models and materials they can use and adapt for their student group and situation. The VALA website provides applied learning resources through links and information. There is a need to update and expand the resources currently available.

There is also a need to:

• Work with teachers to publish their materials on the VALA website
• Develop materials to support applied learning.

 

This site may contain links to third party sites and resources and information provided by third parties. Links to third party sites or materials published on the Victorian Applied Learning Association website should not be viewed as endorsed by the Victorian Applied Learning Association. The Victorian Applied Learning Association does not accept any responsibility or liability for the conduct or content of third party sites and/or offerings made by the third parties.

 

Victorian Applied Learning Association • ABN 79 587 098 915 • info@vala.asn.au

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